His mother was a teacher at Le Mars Community High School and his father owned a Western goods and boot-repair shop.

He has appeared in films such as Inglourious Basterds, Ass Backwards, Freak Dance, Paper Heart and Semi-Pro.

He made his most high-profile acting role in summer 2009, playing the male lead in the comedy film I Love You, Beth Cooper alongside Hayden Panettiere.

and also as a writer and story editor on the revived for Netflix fourth season of Arrested Development in 2013.

He is also the lead singer and bass guitar player in the comedy rock duo Don't Stop or We'll Die with fellow comedian Michael Cassady.

The self-proclaimed "easy-listening cozy-cast," now simply titled With Gourley and Rust, has had several seasons analyzing and discussing horror films.